Diet & Nutrition

Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

Hooray for strawberry season! If you’re like me and you bought a large basket at the farmer’s market and now find yourself in a race against time to use up all those beautiful berries before they go overripe and mushy, this is a recipe for you. Spoon this stuff on toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or plain yogurt for a sweet fruity treat without the refined sugar that traditional jam is known for.

 » Read more about: Strawberry-Lavender Chia Jam  »

Guest Post by Nikki Hurst

Quinoa: a tiny ivory or red coloured seed packed full of nutrients having a very unique, nutty flavour. Did you know that quinoa is a complete protein? It’s also a great source of calcium and zinc, both of which are very important before and after conception. Use it in place of brown rice for a nutrient-flavour boost! Served hot or cold. This food staple should be on everyone’s shopping list.

Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

This recipe is inspired by Sarah Britton’s “Life-Changing Loaf of Bread” from her fabulous blog, My New Roots. I’ve changed up and added a few ingredients and offer the method that works best for me. This is a dense, hearty bread with so many things going for it, starting with the fact that it is super easy, as far as baked goods go. It always turns out perfect (except the time I forgot to grease the pan…).

Guest Post by Nikki Hurst

This burger recipe is loaded with antioxidants, particularly Vitamins E & A (beta-carotene). Both are skin-supporting nutrients and immune-system support. Packed with fibre and plant protein, these patties can be served on buns, in wraps, or with a salad. This recipe serves: 2

Ingredients:
½ cup red lentils
1 medium sweet potato, diced (peel on)
1 tbsp of cold-pressed olive oil or coconut oil
1 clove of garlic,

Guest Post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

The Harvard Nurses Health Study is the largest, most comprehensive, long-term study of diet and fertility ever conducted. It found that adding one serving per day of red meat, chicken, or turkey increased the risk of ovulatory infertility by nearly one-third. This does not mean that everyone trying to conceive must adopt a fully vegetarian diet.

Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

Granola is such a great breakfast because it’s quick and convenient while also providing so much more nutrition than boxed cereal. Even many store-bought granolas can taste overly sweet and be loaded with sugar and fillers. Luckily, making your own granola is super simple! This Maple Walnut Granola is full of goodies to nourish fertility and start your day off right.

Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

While we’ve been lucky enough to have a lovely taste of Spring weather here in Vancouver lately, I haven’t been fully ready to give up the warm comfort of winter soups and stews just yet. Comfort food of all kinds can be an important part of a fertility diet in that it can be grounding during times of stress and uncertainty.

Guest post by Krista A. Parr, R.H.N.

While it isn’t necessary to cut out coffee completely while trying to conceive, it is generally recommended that women limit themselves to a cup a day. Many women choose to ‘quit’ coffee while preparing for pregnancy for a variety of reasons, including the stress that coffee can place on the liver, adrenal glands, blood pressure,

Guest Post by Nikki Hurst

This hearty, fibrous, and nutritious dish is rich in many fertility-boosting nutrients: iron, folate, Fertility Fats (Omega-3, Mono/Polyunsaturated fats), anti-oxidants, as well as lycopene. This loaded dish is satiating and even better re-heated. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
*Polenta
½ tsp salt
1 cup organic polenta (cornmeal)
1/3 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for flavour)
freshly ground pepper

*Primavera Sauce
1 bunch of kale
2 tbsp organic,

Guest Post by Nikki Hurst

Quinoa is a high-protein, gluten-free whole grain loaded with fibre, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron. Pair quinoa with fresh citrus juice, and it’s loaded with Vitamin C as well, making this dish an explosion of essential nutrients imperative for optimum fertility. Serve this dish as a side or main, you decide!

Ingredients:
¼ cup raw slivered almonds
1 cup uncooked organic quinoa
2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
sea-salt to taste
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 stalks celery,